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Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-796-1000
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SMOKE DETECTORS
EXISTING HOMES
One and two family requirements under MGL c. 148, 26E & F
Requirements under MGL c. 148, 26E
Homes built prior to 1975 that have not been substantially renovated, are required upon sale or transfer to comply with the requirements of MGL c. 148, 26E
(a) All one and two family dwellings occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by section twenty-six A or twenty-six B shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. Owners of such buildings or structures shall install either an approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or an approved primary power smoke detector on each level of habitation and on the basement level; provided, however, that the head of the fire department shall allow the installation of approved monitored battery powered smoke detectors. Such approved smoke detectors shall be installed in the following manner; an approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, near the base of, but not within each stairway and an approved smoke detector shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area.
(b) Buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than three nor more than five units and not regulated by section twenty-six A, twenty-six B or twenty-six C shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. Owners of such buildings or structures shall install either an approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or an approved primary power smoke detector outside each separate sleeping area; provided, however, that the head of the fire department shall allow the installation of approved monitored battery powered smoke detectors; and provided, further, that in all common hallways and basements of said residential buildings or structures a series of interconnected approved primary power smoke detectors shall be installed.
(c) For the purposes of this section, approved primary power shall mean an alternating current primary source of electric power furnished by an electric power or light company municipally operated or operating under the authority of the department of telecommunications and energy which is the primary source of electricity or is a secondary source but is permanently wired thereto and will become operational upon the failure of the primary source of power.
(d) The head of the fire department shall enforce the provisions of this section. The provisions of section thirty shall not apply to this section.
Requirements under MGL, c. 148, sec 26F
All buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by sections twenty-six A, twenty-six B or twenty-six C shall, upon the sale or transfer of such building or structure, be equipped by the seller with approved smoke detectors as provided in section twenty-six E.
The head of the fire department shall enforce the provisions of this section. The provisions of section thirty shall not apply to this section.
In order to provide further clarification, homes built between 1975 and 1998 are required to have hard wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector on each floor at the top of the stairs (the detector at the top of the stairs can be the same detector required outside the bedroom).
For homes built after 1998, smoke detectors are required to be interconnected and have a battery backup. Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom, outside the bedroom and at the top of each flight of stairs. A single detector can satisfy multiple location requirements, if sited properly. There must also be one smoke detector on each level and one smoke detector for each 1,200 square feet of living space.
RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire existing
building shall be provided with smoke detectors, heat detector and carbon monoxide detectors
designed, located and installed in accordance with the provisions for new construction, 780 CMR 5313, (7th Edition) as applicable.
If a garage is created under an existing dwelling or attached to an existing dwelling, a heat detector,
conforming to the requirements of the code for new construction shall be installed in the garage; such
requirement is not applicable for detached garages (see 780 CMR 5313.2). If the dwelling undergoes
complete reconstruction such that all walls and ceilings are open to framing, then the entire existing
building shall be provided with smoke detectors, heat detector and carbon monoxide detectors
designed, located and installed in accordance with the provisions for new construction (see 780 CMR
5313 inclusive and as applicable). In an existing two family dwelling, if one or more sleeping rooms are
added or created in only one of the two dwelling units, the dwelling unit acquiring new sleeping rooms
shall be provided with smoke detectors, heat detector and carbon monoxide detectors, as
applicable, designed, located and installed in accordance with the provisions for new construction.
In an existing two-family dwelling, if, during a repair/reconstruction event, one or more sleeping
rooms are added or created in both of the two dwelling units, the entire building shall be provided
with smoke detectors, heat detector and carbon monoxide detectors, as applicable, designed,
located and installed in accordance with the provisions for new construction for two-family buildings
NEW HOMES - 780 CMR – Seventh Edition (Effective 1/1/08)
780 CMR 5313 LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
5313.1 Definitions.
COMBINATION APPLIANCE: shall mean a combination photoelectric smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm appliance which is ac powered with battery backup. Such combination appliance shall employ both simulated voice and tone alarms features which clearly distinguishes between carbon monoxide and smoke notification, in accordance with NFPA 720, 5.3.4
MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. Two or more single-station devices (smoke or heat detector or carbon monoxide detector) that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of one causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate
SINGLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. An assembly incorporating the detector (smoke or heat or carbon monoxide detector), control equipment and alarm sounding device in one unit that is operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
SMOKE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion. Only photoelectric or combination photoelectric/ionization type smoke detectors shall be permitted in
Massachusetts
SYSTEM-TYPE DEVICE. A device designed to be connected to a fire alarm control unit (panel). Low-power radio transmitting (wireless) systems are included as part of this definition.
5313.2 Household Fire-warning Systems.
5313.2 .1 General. The household fire-warning system shall be single or multiple station or of the system type and shall consist of smoke detectors and heat detectors as required in 780 CMR 5313. Where more than 12 smoke alarms (detectors) are installed, system-type devices must be utilized.
5313.2.2 Listing and Installation Requirements. All fire detection, notification and protection equipment and devices shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 5313.2, the manufacturer’s instructions, the listing criteria, 527 CMR 12.00 and NFPA 72, as applicable.
5313.2.3 Interconnection within a Dwelling Unit. When more than one code-required detector must be installed, the code-required detectors shall be compatible and interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one detector will activate all of the audible alarms.
5313.2.4 Audible Alarm Intensity. All required alarm sounding appliances shall have a minimum rating of 85 dBA at ten feet (3048 mm). Where audible appliances are installed to provide signals for sleeping areas, they shall have a sound level of at least 75 dBA measured at the pillow level in the sleeping area.
5313.2.5 Power source. All power sources and wiring must be permanent and in accordance with 527 CMR 12.00.
5313.2.5.1 Primary Electrical Power for Single-station and Multiple-station Devices. Power for single- and multiple-station devices shall be supplied from a permanently wired connection directly to an AC primary source of power. All power for AC-powered devices shall be taken from either a dedicated locked branch circuit or a single branch circuit, which also provides other electrical service to a habitable space. The power source shall be on the supply side, ahead of any switches.
5313.2.5.2 Primary Electrical Power for System-type Household Fire-warning Systems. System-type household fire-warning systems that include a listed control unit with automatic detectors and occupant notification appliances shall be powered from a permanently wired AC primary power source. Such AC primary power shall be supplied either from a dedicated locked branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting of a habitable space, in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 and 527 CMR 12.00.
Exception: Wireless systems when installed in accordance with NFPA 72
5313.2.5.3 Secondary Electrical Power. In addition to required primary electrical power, all household fire-warning systems shall have secondary (standby) power supplied from monitored batteries in accordance with NFPA 72. For fire alarm control units (panels), the panel battery shall serve as the source of secondary electrical power. For wireless systems, the panel battery shall serve as the source of secondary electrical power.
5313.2.6 Acceptance Testing. When the installation of the household fire-warning system is complete, it shall be subject to a 100% acceptance test in accordance with 780 CMR 5313 and NFPA 72.
5313.2.7 Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the owner, as defined in 780 CMR 52.00, to properly maintain the household fire-warning system in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and NFPA 72.
5313.2.8 Manufactured Homes (Housing). The installation of household fire-warning systems for buildings designed and constructed as manufactured homes and/or housing as defined by 24 CFR, Part 5208.2, shall be in accordance with approved methods for such homes and/or housing as defined 24 CFR and as such are not governed by 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00.
5313.2.9 Smoke Detector Required Locations within the dwelling unit. Smoke detectors shall be installed in the following locations (also refer to Board of Building Regulations and Standards Official Interpretation No. 49-98):
1. In each bedroom (sleeping room).
2. Outside each separate bedroom (sleeping room) in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom (sleeping room).
3. Near the base of all stairs where such stairs lead to another occupied floor.
4. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and unoccupied attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
5. For each 1,200 square feet (111 m ) of 2 area or part thereof.
5313.2.10 Smoke Detector Required Locations in Common Areas of Two-family Dwellings. In addition to the requirements of 780 CMR 5313.2.9.1 through .5., two-family dwellings that contain common areas such as basements, hallways and/or interior stairways that serve both dwelling units, but are not within the dwelling units, shall also be provided with smoke detectors and/or heat detectors, as required, in the following locations:
1. Smoke detectors–In all common basements.
2. Smoke detectors–In all common hallways.
3. Smoke detectors–In all common stairways on each level outside the dwelling unit doorways.
4. When common area smoke detectors are of the single/multiple-station type they shall be interconnected with listed compatible heat detectors containing a sounding device within each dwelling unit. Said heat detectors shall be on every level within each dwelling unit and shall meet the audibility requirement of 780 CMR 5313.2 .4.
5. When common area smoke detectors are of the system type, there shall be at least one system-type alarm notification device that meets the requirements of 780 CMR 5313.2 .4 on each level within each dwelling unit
6. Dwelling unit smoke detectors shall only sound within the dwelling unit.
5313.2.11 Photo-electric Smoke Detectors. Any smoke detector located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a kitchen or a bathroom shall be a photo-electric-type smoke detector. Photo-electric-type smoke detectors shall be allowed to be located closer than three feet (914mm) horizontally from a kitchen or a bathroom door when hallway or other room size restricts detector mounting options.
Exception: A bathroom not containing a tub, shower, jacuzzi or steam room.
5313.2.12 Smoke Detector Placement. Photoelectric type smoke detectors and combination photoelectric/ionization type smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific installation requirements. In the absence of manufacturer’s recommendations, smoke detectors shall be mounted on the ceiling at least four inches (102 mm)from a wall or on a wall with the top of the alarm not less than four inches (102 mm) nor more than 12 inches (305 mm) below the ceiling.
Exception: Smoke detector placement for solid joist or beam construction or for high, sloped, shed or peaked ceilings all shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and NFPA 72.
5313.2.13 Smoke Detector Requirements in Existing Dwellings. See 780 CMR 93.00.
5313.3 Heat Detectors.
5313.3.1 Required Heat Detectors. A single heat detector listed for the ambient environment shall be installed in:
1. Any integral garage (“garage under”) or attached garage to the main house (detached garages do not require a heat detector).
2. A new addition attached garage to an existing dwelling shall require a single heat detector installed in the garage in accordance with all applicable criteria of 780 CMR 5313. If the existing house contains a fire detection system that is compatible with the garage heat detector, then said garage heat detector shall be interconnected to the existing dwelling fire detection system. Where the dwelling proper existing fire detection system is not compatible with the garage heat detector, the garage heat detector shall be connected to a sounder (occupant notification appliance) or compatible heat detector containing a sounding device, located in the dwelling proper and within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the nearest door to the garage from the dwelling-proper. The required garage heat detector is not required to incorporate audible alarm notification nor is any audible notification device required in the garage.
5313.3.2 Heat Detector Placement. For flat-finished ceilings, the single heat detector shall be placed on or near the center of the garage ceiling; for sloped ceilings having a rise to run of greater than one foot in eight feet (305 mm in 2438 mm), the single heat detector shall be placed in the approximate center of the vaulted ceiling but no closer than four inches (102 mm) to any wall.
5313.3.3 Heat Detector Interconnection. The required single heat detector shall be listed for and required to be interconnected to all smoke detectors of the required household fire alarm system, such that the activation of the heat detector will activate all of the audible alarms of the required household fire alarm system throughout the building. The required heat detector is not required to incorporate audible alarm notification nor is any audible notification device required in the garage.
5313.4 Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Note: Also refer to 527 CMR 31.00 and 248 CMR as carbon monoxide detector required locations set forth in 527 CMR 31.00 and 248 CMR must also be satisfied
5313.4.1 General. Carbon monoxide detectors shall either be: listed, interconnected 120V or shall be part of a listed low-voltage combination system or wireless system as defined in NFPA 720.
5313.4.1.1 Secondary power to CO alarms: All CO alarms shall have secondary (standby) power supplied from monitored batteries in accordance with NFPA 72. For fire alarm control units (panels), the panel battery shall serve as the source of secondary electrical power. For wireless systems, the panel battery shall serve as the source of secondary electrical power.
5313.4.2 Carbon Monoxide Detector Listing and Installation Requirements. All carbon monoxide detectors shall be UL 2034 listed or UL 2075 listed, as applicable, and installed in accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00, the manufacturer’s instructions, the listing criteria, 527 CMR 12.00 and NFPA 720. Required carbon monoxide detectors are not required to be interconnected to the required household fire alarm system but, where interconnection is desired, such carbon monoxide detectors shall be compatible with all interconnected fire detection devices and fire alarms shall have precedence over carbon monoxide alarms.
5313.4.3 Carbon Monoxide Detector Required Locations. One carbon monoxide detector shall be installed on each story of a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars (but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the applicable requirements of NFPA 720. When mounting a carbon monoxide alarm on a story with a bedroom, the alarm, at a
minimum, shall be located outside the bedroom. A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed no more than ten ft. outside any bedroom door – these requirements do not alter the fact that all bedrooms must be equipped with smoke detectors/alarms but if a combination appliance is utilized, note that for CO only purposes a CO alarm is required no more than ten feet from a bedroom door and outside of the bedroom per 527 CMR 31.00.
5313.4.4 Alarm Intensity. All alarm-sounding appliances shall have a minimum rating of 85 dBA at ten feet (3048 mm).
5313.4.5 Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to properly maintain the carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and NFPA 720.
5313.5 Sprinklers.
5313.5.1 Dwellings Requiring Sprinklers.
Automatic sprinklers installed in accordance with NFPA 13D shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings having an aggregate area greater than 14,400 square feet (1338 m ), including basements but not including garages and unfinished attics.
Why Have a Smoke Detector?
Home fires are a serious threat to your family's safety. Every year in the United States, approximately 5,000 people are killed and more than 40,000 are injured by residential fires. In addition, more than $8 billion worth of property damage is done by home fires. Many fire victims die of inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not because of burns. Most deaths and injuries occur in fires that happen at night while the victims are asleep. Sleepers must be warned before it is too late.
When properly installed and maintained, the home smoke detector is one of the best and least expensive ways to provide early warning when a fire begins. Before the concentration of smoke reaches a dangerous level, or before the fire becomes too intense, the alarm will sound. Smoke detectors save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage. The risk of dying from fire is twice as high in homes that do not have functioning detectors.
How Do They Work?
Smoke detectors work by sensing the rising smoke from a fire and sounding a piercing alarm. There are two types of smoke detectors on the market today: Ionization Chamber detectors use a radioactive source to produce electrically charged molecules (ions) in the air. This sets up an electric current within the detector chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it attaches itself to the ions and reduces the flow of electric current, thus setting off an alarm. Photoelectric detectors sound when the smoke is dense enough to deflect a beam of light.
Smoke detectors also differ by power source. The batteries in battery-powered smoke detectors last approximately one year. When the battery begins to lose power and needs to be replaced, the detector will begin to emit "beeps" every minute or so. Some will keep this up for a week or longer.
Smoke detectors that operate on household electric current operate as long as there is current in the circuit to which they are connected. They are, therefore, vulnerable to power failure. Plug-in units must be located near an electric outlet where they will not be unplugged or turned off by a wall switch. They should not get their power from a distant plug using an extension cord. Always use the hold-in clips to prevent accidental plug removal from the outlet.
Heat detectors are also available, sometimes as part of a smoke detector and sometimes as separate products. These use a special metal that melts or distorts when heat enters the air surrounding it. When built into smoke detectors, these set off the smoke detector's main alarm. Alone, they may sound their own alarm or a central alarm, if part of a system. Heat detectors add protection, but by themselves are not effective early-warning devices. They must be very close to a fire to be set off. Therefore, they are useful in places where smoke detectors can be fooled, such as a kitchen. They are also useful in areas of the home where smoke detectors cannot function because it is too hot or cold. Remember, smoke, not heat, is the leading cause of death in home fires.
What Kind of Smoke Detector Should I Buy?
Each type of detector, if properly installed and maintained, is effective. Since photoelectric detectors react more quickly to smoldering fires and ionization units will respond faster to flaming fires, you may wish to buy at least one unit of each or a combination detector. However, because most home fires produce a mixture of smoke types with detectable amounts of large particle and small particle smoke early in the fire growth, either an ionization or a photoelectric detector will meet most needs.
Several new features are available in smoke detectors today. These include detectors that have an escape light, are portable, or transmit their alarm to a central console by radio signal as part of a unified emergency alert system. These can be used with burglar and other warning or detection devices. Electric current detectors with a rechargeable battery for power outages are also available.
How Many Do I Need?
There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of the house. Tests conducted by the National Bureau of Standards have shown that two detectors, on different levels of a two-story home, are twice as likely to provide enough time for escape as one detector. Although the upstairs detector senses smoke wherever it originates, the downstairs unit will react sooner to a fire that could block escape routes on the first floor.
Having two detectors also allows you to select both an ionization type and a photoelectric model, giving you the best capabilities of both. In addition, it lets you select one battery-powered and one plug-in or wired-in model. Neither a battery failure nor a power outage will leave your family unprotected. Finally, two smoke detectors are far less likely to be inoperative at the same time as is possible with a lone detector.
Source
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, What You Should Know About Smoke Detectors (January 1985).
Acknowledgments to Michelle L. Wallingford for her contributions to this publication.
Reviewed by Mr. Randall Reeder and Dr. Jim Papritan, Department of Agricultural Engineering, and Dr. Judy Wessel, Department of Family Resource Management . Funded in whole or in part from Grant Number U05/CCU506070-03, "Cooperative Agreement Program for Agricultural Health Promotion Systems," National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.